Advice required re paying subcontractors

[Victoria.]

Hi,
I look after a residential property in the UK for somebody who lives abroad. They have asked me to arrange workmen to do various work around their home.
What I need to know is, would it be standard practice that once the workmen have completed their work they would send me their invoice then I'd pay them and then add their costs on to my bill to the person that hires me?

I hope that makes sense. I've thrown my self in the deep end with this working for myself business

 

[roydmoorian]

If you actually engaged the tradesmen then that might possibly be the case but I would be much happier if the invoices were addressed to and paid by the householder. You must have absolute faith in your client to even suggest this.

A solicitor would deem this type of transaction a "disbursment" and the invoice would probably not get paid until the money had been received from the client (householder).

 

[Tier1Logistics]

Hi,

I use to own a Property Management company best advice I can give you is the following...

Never pay anything upfront before the work has been either been started to satisfactory or completed. A respectable contractor will have the funds to purchase the materials to start the job if not finish it.

You will need the quote from the contractor then add your % then send it to your client etc.

Have a nice evening.

 

[Newchodge]

Although a reputable contractor will have the funds to stat a project, they may require staged payments, depending on the size of the job. If it is a series of small jobs they will almost certainly expect payment immediately on completion.

I would advise that you require payment of at least a large proportion of the outgoings upfront from your client, unless you trust them implicitly. If you do trust them implicitly, just ask for half upfront.

 

[Victoria.]

All of your comments have helped, thank you.